The success of a company largely depends on its employees. Employers know this, which is why they seek the best candidates to fill available positions. If you were lucky enough to snag a job interview, you must gain your interviewer’s confidence to give yourself the best chance land the position. Positive traits that define your character are powerful selling tools.

Professionalism

Every workplace has standards of professionalism that it expects employees to follow. The interviewer scrutinizes your behaviors to see how you carry yourself and whether you will be a good fit for the company. This includes how your resume is constructed, how you dress for the interview and whether you arrived on time. A well-constructed resume that effectively sums up where you have been professionally and educationally might indicate good organizational abilities. Arriving to the interview punctually and appropriately dressed shows dependability and professionalism.

Good Communication

In a chaotic or unpleasant work atmosphere, ineffective communication is often the culprit. For a smooth operation, employers want workers who are good communicators. Display active listening while the interviewer speaks and articulate your responses so your messages are effectively conveyed. Avoid interrupting the interviewer, speak clearly and concisely and respond to questions correctly.

Flexibility

Things do not always go as planned in the workplace. Also, emerging trends often require companies to adapt in an effort to stay current. Your prospective employer wants employees who are flexible enough to adjust to changing conditions and who are willing to expand their skills and abilities. During the interview, if asked about relocation, try to keep an open mind. If you are worried about relocation or traveling costs, your employer might be willing to pay for it.

Interpersonal/Teamwork Abilities

The ability to get along with your co-workers is paramount to a productive work atmosphere. Though personalities vary in the workplace and clashes are sometimes inevitable, how employees handle conflict and team assignments is important to employers. To gauge your ability to work with others, the interviewer may ask you to demonstrate how you managed conflict or successfully worked on a project with others before. It is possible to productively work with someone you do not like. Therefore, your response should show how you got the work done without allowing your emotions to get in the way.

Positive Thinking

During the interview, maintain confidence and a positive mindset. If you doubt your abilities or see only the worst possible outcome, your interviewer might pick up on it as well. Employers want positive employees with the ability to think quickly on their feet. Focusing on the negatives makes it difficult to see the brighter side of situations. If asked how you deal with problems, say that after acknowledging them you concentrate on finding workable solutions.

Demeanor and Ethics

Your interviewer looks at your overall demeanor and work ethics, which includes whether you display genuine interest in, and enthusiasm, for the position, and whether you are truthful. Any sign of disinterest, boredom, or untruth may cost you the job. The interviewer may ask questions to gauge your integrity. For example, she asks why you resigned from your last job. Tell the truth without speaking negatively about your former employer. If you lie and the interviewer calls your previous employer for verification, she might question your character. Also, refrain from putting on an act during the interview by saying only what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Let your personality speak for itself by being who you are while remaining friendly, courteous and professional.

About the Author

Grace Ferguson has been writing professionally since 2009. With 10 years of experience in employee benefits and payroll administration, Ferguson has written extensively on topics relating to employment and finance. A research writer as well, she has been published in The Sage Encyclopedia and Mission Bell Media.